“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1John 3:1 (NIV)
LIGHT FOR NOW: The Father’s love does not merely change our status before Him; it gives us a new identity. We are not merely forgiven people; we are beloved children.
One of the greatest battles believers face is the battle of identity. Many know they are saved, yet they still think of themselves through the lens of their past failures, weaknesses, mistakes, or earthly backgrounds. But the Father’s love does more than forgive sins; it gives a new identity. John writes: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us…” The word “lavished” paints the picture of abundance, generosity, and overflow. The Father has not loved His children sparingly. He has poured out His love richly and abundantly. His love is not measured in drops; it is measured in overflow. This is important because many believers unconsciously think God loves them reluctantly. They imagine God tolerates them because He has no other choice. But scripture reveals the exact opposite.
The Father delights in His children. His love is abundant; His affection is genuine; His heart is open toward those who belong to Him. John then reveals the result of this love: “…that we should be called children of God!” In biblical thought, a name often reveals identity. To be called God’s child is not merely a title; it is a reality. This is why John immediately adds: “And that is what we are!” In other words, this is not religious poetry; it is spiritual reality. The believer is truly a child of God through faith in Christ. This truth should transform the way believers see themselves.
Many people define themselves by: Their family history, their social status, their failures, their achievements, their weaknesses. But the gospel introduces a higher identity. The believer’s primary identity is found in relationship with the Father. You are not primarily your past; you are His child. You are not primarily your mistakes; you are His child. You are not primarily what others say about you; you are His child. This is why understanding the Father’s love is essential for spiritual growth. People who do not know they are loved often live insecurely. They constantly seek validation. They constantly compare themselves to others. They constantly fear rejection. But children secure in their Father’s love develop confidence. Not pride, but confidence; confidence that they belong, confidence that they are accepted, confidence that they are loved. This is exactly what Jesus possessed.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus walked in complete security regarding His relationship with the Father. At His baptism, before performing miracles, before preaching sermons, before public ministry began, the Father declared: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. Notice acceptance preceded performance. The Father’s affirmation came before the works. Likewise, believers must learn that their acceptance before God rests in Christ, not in their achievements. Good works are important. Obedience is important. Spiritual growth is important. But these things flow from acceptance; they do not create acceptance.
The Father’s love establishes identity first. Then identity produces transformation. One reason many believers struggle spiritually is because they are trying to earn what has already been given. They are trying to become loved. But the gospel says: You are already loved. They are trying to become accepted. But the gospel says: You are already accepted in Christ. The Christian life is not lived from insecurity toward acceptance. It is lived from acceptance toward maturity. The Father’s love therefore becomes the foundation upon which the entire Christian life is built.
INSTRUCTION: Whenever negative thoughts about your identity arise, remind yourself of who you are in Christ. Speak God’s truth over your life rather than your past experiences.
CONFESSION/PRAYER: Father, thank You for making me Your child through Jesus Christ. Help me to see myself through Your eyes and live confidently in the identity You have given me. I reject every lie of rejection, insecurity, and condemnation. Amen.
For More light; get the message, ‘The Love of God’
QUOTE: The believer does not fight for identity; he lives from the identity already given by the Father’s love.
DAILY READING: MORNING: 1JOHN CHAPTER 3; EVENING: MATTHEW CHAPTER 3:
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 